Have you ever heard the saying, “To love and be loved is the greatest happiness”? This saying means that it’s really special to care about others and know you have people who care about you. Even God said, “It is not good for man to be alone.” We were made to have friends.

But, not every friend is a good one. The Bible tells us:
"A man who has friends must himself be friendly,
But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." (Proverbs 18:24)

How do we know who our real friends are? Let’s take a look at what true friendship is to God.

1. A Friend Who Shares Your Love for God

Sometimes we make friends because we play the same games or go to the same school. These friendships can fade when we move or change hobbies.

The strongest friendships are built on something bigger—a shared love for God.

In the Bible, Jonathan and David were best friends. When Jonathan’s father, King Saul, tried to hurt David, Jonathan still stood by his friend. Why? Because both Jonathan and David trusted God, and that kept them close.

Jonathan said to David, “May the Lord be between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants, forever.” (1 Samuel 20:42)

So, if you're looking for a true friend, find someone who also loves and follows God. That way, your friendship can continue to grow through Him.

2. A Friend Who Stays When Life Gets Hard

When someone is rich or popular, lots of people want to be their friend. What about when life gets hard?

The Bible reminds us:
“A friend loves at all times,
And a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17)

A real friend is someone who stays, especially when you’re sad, sick, or going through a tough time. They don’t leave when things get difficult.

3. A Friend Who Doesn’t Get You Into Trouble

Some try to make you do things you know are wrong, like lying, stealing, or being mean.

God warns us:
“My son, if sinners entice you,
Do not consent.” (Proverbs 1:10-15)
“Evil company corrupts good habits.” (1 Corinthians 15:33)

If someone keeps pulling you away from what’s right, they aren’t your friends. Choose friends who do their best to keep you on the right path.

4. A Friend Who Tells You the Truth

Good friends care about you enough to tell you the whole truth, no matter how hard it is to accept.

The Bible says:
“Faithful are the wounds of a friend,
But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” (Proverbs 27:6)

This means true friends will be honest with you for your own good. If a friend kindly helps you see a mistake, thank them, they are your real friends.

Family Altar

Use these discussion questions and our prayer as a guide for your family altar.

Parents can lead the prayer and invite their children to repeat after them or encourage their children to take the lead, making family altar time a shared journey of faith.

Discussion Questions:

• What kind of friend are you to others?

• Do you help your friends follow God, or pull them away from Him?

• Do you have the wisdom and courage to tell the truth and be kind at the same time?

Prayer in Words:

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, we pray.

Thank You, Lord, for the blessing of friends.

Help us to be good friends—people who love You and others, tell the truth, and stand by others in both the easy and hard times.

Show us how to choose friends who will grow together with us and draw us closer to You.

Hallelujah, Amen.